The role of physical activity in the management of obesity

Abstract

Sedentary lifestyle is associated with obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. Increased physical activity can produce clinically significant changes in body composition and a reduction in risk of obesity-related chronic diseases in obese people. Because a great proportion of a primary care physician's patient population will be obese, it is essential that physicians know the scientific facts about the role of physical activity in the treatment of obesity and how to effectively prescribe it. This article summarizes significant research .conclusions about the relationship between physical activity, obesity, and health. It also provides practical strategies for helping obese patients integrate physical activity into their lives.

Effects of Exercise, Diet, and a Combination of Exercise and Diet in Overweight and Obese Adults - A Meta-Analysis of the Data~!2009-06-21~!2010-01-05~!2010-03-11~!

“…For example, while the results of the meta-analysis by Garrow & Summerbell (1995), which included 28 studies published between 1966 and 1993 [19], demonstrated that exercise only could reduce weight by three kilograms in 30 weeks [20], they indicated that a combination of diet and exercise had the greatest effect and that "strength training" had no discernable influence on weight loss. Miller et al (1997) performed a meta-analysis of 493 primary studies published from 1969 to 1994 [20].…”

“…Miller et al (1997) performed a meta-analysis of 493 primary studies published from 1969 to 1994 [20]. The objective of the review was to determine the effect of exercise and changes in diet, both alone and in combination, on weight loss; the subjects were middle-aged and moderately overweight rather than obese and the duration of treatment was fairly long, i.e.…”